Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada 82nd Anniversary

This month marks the 82nd anniversary of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, an organization that has been committed to helping the most vulnerable in the community since 1941. Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations, volunteers, and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 16 programs providing support to more than 4,000 people daily.

History of Catholic Charities

The history of Catholic Charities dates back to the late 1800s when the Catholic Church began to establish charitable organizations across the country. These organizations were created to serve the poor, the sick, the elderly, and those who were marginalized in society. In 1941, the Nevada Catholic Welfare Bureau, which later became Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, was initially established in Northern Nevada to address the needs of the state's residents. Following the construction of the Hoover Dam, the agency expanded to include Southern Nevada, with a focus on serving the community in Las Vegas.

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Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada serves people of all races, religions, and creeds. Our mission is to give help and hope to people in need, regardless of their background. By offering a wide range of services, including emergency shelter, food assistance, immigration services, and community outreach we can help strengthen those in need within our community.

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Catholic Charities Community Services

As we reflect on how we have impacted the Southern Nevada community, we want to acknowledge the impact our different programs have on those in need, For instance, the Meals on Wheels program has been providing nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Southern Nevada since 1975.

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For many seniors, especially those who are homebound, access to healthy and nutritious meals can be a challenge. The Meals on Wheels program aims to provide a solution to this problem by delivering a set of seven frozen meals each week to approximately 2,450 clients. This service is not only beneficial in terms of providing nourishment, but it also serves as a lifeline to those who may not have any other form of outside contact.

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One of the unique aspects of the program is that it is not solely focused on providing meals. The delivery drivers also make weekly check-ins at the recipient’s home and deliver pet food for those who have pet companions. These small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in the lives of homebound seniors who may be struggling with feelings of loneliness or isolation.

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It is also important to note the significance of the Meals on Wheels program in combating senior hunger. Nationally, one in six seniors struggles with hunger, and as the baby boom generation continues to age, this problem is only growing. The program not only helps seniors to eat healthier, but it also improves their overall health and allows them to live in their own homes independently.

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What’s even more impressive is that the cost of providing a senior with this service for an entire year is less than the cost of spending one day in the hospital or one week in a nursing home. While the program is funded through grants for approximately 60% of the total meal cost, the remaining cost has to be raised and paid by Catholic Charities.

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Other than the Meals on Wheels program, Catholic Charities has other food programs, The Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry, provided by Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, is a lifeline for those in need. With a wide variety of food items available, the pantry ensures that clients have access to healthy and nutritious food. The pantry is open to registered clients once every 30 days, and social distancing guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is proud to provide this essential service to the community.

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Catholic Charities Immigration Services

Other than providing just food services, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada also provides immigration services to those in need. Our immigration services include legal representation, application assistance, and general support for individuals and families seeking asylum or citizenship. The organization works to ensure that immigrants are treated with dignity and respect and have access to the resources they need to thrive in their new communities. We at Catholic Charities organization recognize that immigrants and refugees contribute greatly to the cultural and economic fabric of our society, and we are dedicated to supporting and uplifting these communities.

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As Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada celebrates its 82nd anniversary, we want to thank everyone who has donated or volunteered.  To all the volunteers and donors who have dedicated their time and energy to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your hard work and selflessness have made a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve.

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Without the dedication and generosity of volunteers like you, we would not be able to provide the wide range of services that we do. From serving meals to the elderly, to providing shelter to the homeless, to offering immigration services to those in need, your contributions have helped to make a difference in the lives of so many people.

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Your willingness to give of your time and talents is an inspiration to us all. Your commitment to serving others is a testament to the kindness and compassion that exists in our community. We are truly grateful for your support and are honored to work alongside you in our mission to give help and hope to those in need.

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As we celebrate our 82nd anniversary, we reflect on the impact that Catholic Charities has had on the community. We know that our success is due in large part to the support of our volunteers and donors. Your dedication means more than words can express, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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We hope that you will continue to be a part of our organization in the years to come. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. 

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If you are interested in supporting Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, there are many ways to get involved. You can make a donation, volunteer your time, or attend one of our different fundraising events throughout the year. No matter how you choose to get involved, your support will help to ensure that Catholic Charities can continue to serve the most vulnerable members of the community for years to come. For more information about volunteering or donating to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, please visit our website or call our office at (702)-387-4733 if you are interested in getting started.

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